The Beginner’s Guide to Tambour Embroidery - Materials List
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Since sharing my viral beaded cake process on social media, so many of you have asked for more in-depth info on how I created it - this technique is called Tambour (or Luneville, and similar to Aari) embroidery, and here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Tambour embroidery has a rich history - tracing back to the 16th century. If you’d like to learn a bit more about the history of the tambour technique, this blog post from the London Embroidery School is a great place to start.
Getting Started - all the materials you need
Starter Tambour Beading Frame - $43.
I recommend this one as it’s relatively compact, can sit on your tabletop, and is a good size and price for starting out.
The most important part of the tambour frame is that it stands on its own so that you have both hands free, and stitching or pinning the fabric to the twill tape allows the fabric to stretch SUPER taught - a standing embroidery frame likely won’t work as fabris can slip, making your embroidery less stable.
If you’re feeling ambitious, this is the frame that I eventually upgraded to - much larger, I love it, but not necessary when you’re first getting started.
Tambour Handle - $24 and Tambour Hook Needle - $5
I get both from Maydel - the size 70 needle is the smallest and can fit as small as size 11 seed beads, but you may prefer a larger hook for larger beads or heavier thread.
Silk Organza or similar
Things to keep in mind when it comes to fabric: you want something WOVEN (not stretchy), something flat (so the hook doesnt catch on textured elements), and something that you can see through. That’s not to say you CAN’T embroider on other fabrics, but having something relatively sturdy and transparent will be much easier as you’re starting out.
Woven, non-stretch fabric is key as it’s important to attach your fabric to the frame perfectly aligned with the grainline. This will ensure that your embroidery will not warp or contract when you take it off the slate.
Thread - I recommend this wax coated one, it’s a bit more sturdy than regular sewing thread and the wax coating helps prevent the needle from snagging/shredding the thread as you work
Sewing Pins - for securing the fabric to the frame. As shown below, you’ll need to pin first, then stretch, then stitch for a more even hold.
BEADS!!! There’s a few different types of beads -
I mostly use Miyuki and Toho beads - these are Japanese brands for glass seed beads.
Preciosa is another great brand - but a size 11/0 may not fit on your needle as the Czech bead holes tend to be smaller than Japanese beads. If you go with Preciosa, consider sizing up
Sometimes different brands have different sizing systems, so be sure to check the details!
You can tambour with all sorts of embellishments - aside from beads, try sequins, sew-in rhinestones, coils, wire, and more!
Next steps…
Now that you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to set up the frame! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next post in this series where I’ll break it down with photos :))) see you there!